Building our own pipeline of rural governors

It’s critical that governors with a deep affinity for rural communities continue to play leadership roles within the public and private sector organisations that serve our communities.

Historically, New Zealand’s smaller agricultural co-operatives provided valuable governance experience for rural leaders, many of whom went on to serve on the boards of larger agribusinesses and in the public sector. As these co-operatives have consolidated into larger entities like Fonterra, food and agriculture now relies on more formal training and development pathways to bring forward leaders from rural communities.

Formal programmes such as Fonterra’s Governance Development Programme (GDP) are new avenues for current or aspiring rural governors to build their skill sets, and not just for farmers that may have an eye on a seat at the Fonterra board in the future.

The skills and experience gained through the programme are relevant to a range of different types and sizes of organisations, from a private farming entity right through to a community trust or supplier co-operative.

Hine Timutimu (Tūhoe, Whakatohea, Te Ātiawa) was part of the 2023 Fonterra GDP cohort and an example of the pipeline in action. Hine is General Manager of Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust in the Bay of Plenty, where she leads a dual-enterprise model combining dairy farming and maize. She’s also the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year for 2026.

Not originally from a farming background, Hine has made it her mission to better understand “the business of farming” and share that newfound knowledge with the organisations and communities in which she works and lives. Hine says her motivation to build her governance capabilities was personal growth and being able to contribute more to her community.

“These programmes are important for the sustainability of the sector. Important because our rural people need to be able to contribute across different platforms, and need to upskill by learning from others.

“I took part because I was keen to grow personally, because if I grow in skills and experience, then the Trust grows. To be successful, organisations, like the Trust I represent, need people to be strong governors – so really I did it on behalf of the Trust.

“The programme is a great mix of theory, practical, and learning from others. The facilitators and guest speakers impart knowledge to you. You read the theory, then hear from others how it can be applied in real life. I was taking what I learned and implementing it in the Trust straight away. It was an awesome experience.

“Our cohort was a great crew of people. You all chip in and help each other, which makes it much more enjoyable. Participating is still a commitment. You need to be serious about doing it and being committed to the time. Don’t go in half-hearted. Fully commit and you’ll get the best out of it and the best out of others,” says Hine.

If you’re looking to take your governance knowledge to the next level and have your eye on making a difference in your community, Fonterra has an opportunity to help you get there, through the Fonterra Governance Development Programme (GDP).

It’s a one-year programme designed to develop governance acumen in individuals who are current or aspiring leaders and governors, specific to the New Zealand co-operative context. The programme aims to provide a solid grounding in governance best practice, leadership, board processes, directors’ duties, finance, risk, strategy, and critical thinking. Participants will hear from experienced governors, participate in board simulations and interact with members of Fonterra’s Board, Management and Co-operative Council.

All Fonterra shareholders and herd-owning sharemilkers supplying Fonterra can apply. A limited number of places may also be made available for members of LIC, Foodstuffs and Silver Fern Farms.
 

Key Dates

Applications open: 1 October 2026

Applications close: 31 October 2026

Programme begins: January 2027
 

How to apply

To find out more about the Fonterra Governance Development Programme check out our website below.